St. Marys Buys Durango?

St. Marys should consider buying
former Durango Paper Mill Property.
It's not too late! Two years ago I
suggested that the County buy the
property. The thought was to build
a hotel, convention center, exhibition
hall, golf course and marina. In
addition, if Atlanta ever re-energized
the idea of a desalivization plant
(a multi-million dollar project)
there would be more than enough
room (10 acres) to fold it into an
obscure corner of the property.

The County Commission sent it too
the JDA. Till now, the JDA has
not reported back.

Professional economic developers
will tell you that Tourism is the
greatest source of revenue, bar none.
The acquisition would generate good
paying jobs during the clean-up.
The construction of the various
buildings would provide good paying
jobs during the build out. The
facilities would pay good wages
for staff. The visitors would pay
SPLOST Taxes up to the sky. In
addition, the visitors would patronize
local stores and restaurants generating
still more jobs.

I call on the City to think about this.
There is still time! What do you think.
Contact us at oilseal@tds.net.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
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S. Writes about E.B Herrins letter to editor:
I just read the Tribune-Georgians letter
to the Editor from an elected official.
What mean spirit!

Answer: Mr. Becker is a former Chairman
of the Commission. The only one who ever
refunded 2 million dollars in excess splost
funds to the public. In addition, Mr. Becker
is the one who as Chairman revamped the
handling of SPLOST money. The cities
now get money when a project is completed.
If you recall, some years ago the cities were
sitting on the money and projects weren't
being completed. Now that campaign 2006
has been joined look for back and forth claims
by the two gentlemen.

D. Writes about Union Carbide:
Am I wrong or is the 4000 acre UC tract in
the northern part of the county tax assessed
at approx $250/acre. Is this normal for large
tracts in the county? You don't need to respond.
I was just curious since this is one of the few
large tracts in GA with significant water frontage.
Current market value, say $20,000,000.

Answer: We will check into this. Do you have
the map/parcel numbers regarding this property?
If you have name and address this information
would also be helpful.

Ruben Gomez writes about Building & Planning:
I've heard that a new Director of Building &
Planning has been appointed: Mr. Bob Noble,
is that true?

Answer: The JDA has been appointed to
administer planning/building for 6 months.

Sandy Sez: Congratulations to County
Leaders. By advertising for a new
County Manager and hopefully a new
Planning Director they are finally
recognizing the obvious. We need
help. All this growth must be
administered properly.

Sandy Feller
County Commissioner
District 4

"Working for the future without forgetting the past"